Thousands sign up in 1st 8 days of Colorado open enrollment

Thousands more Coloradans signed up for health insurance during the first week of open enrollment than during the same time frame last year, according to a report from the state.

Connect for Health Colorado reported Monday that 6,144 residents across the state enrolled in a plan during the first eight days of open enrollment, up from just 204 during the first eight days of open enrollment in 2013.

The state also counted 936 enrollments in dental plans, up from just 87 during the same period in 2013.

"We hope to have that available in the next few weeks," said Curtis Hubbard, a Connect for Health Colorado spokesperson.

This year's open enrollment period began Nov. 15 and runs for three months, half the time that people had to sign up last year.

For those wanting to avoid a gap in insurance, enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15 and paid by Dec. 25 in order for coverage to continue Jan. 1.